It’s been a strange offseason for new Calgary Canucks forward Hayden Fechner.

The Okotoks Oilers of the BCHL traded him to Cowichan Valley.

But when he arrived at training camp, Fechner says he knew he wasn’t part of their plans.

“Basically I got traded to the old Cowichan coach,” he said.

“The new coach came in and told me he already had his guys on the team, and I wasn’t part of the plan. It just didn’t work.”

Great fit with the Canucks

The 19-year-old forward was looking for a new team, and that’s when a deal was made to join the Canucks.

Head coach Brad Moran says it worked out perfectly for both teams.

“It definitely worked,” he said.

“He’s someone we’ve watched over the last few years, and sometimes it takes time. He needed a spot, and I thought he had a lot to add, and his play showed that he ‘integrates very well.’

Put the points in place

Fechner has scored seven goals and added 11 assists this season, and he seems to be in good shape wherever he plays in the lineup.

Recently he played on a trio with Rhett Melnyk and Matt Paszkiewicz.

Melnyk says Fechner added a lot to the line.

“We’ve obviously had a lot of success there, and he brings speed and skill to our line, and there’s been a lot of success lately,” Melnyk said.

Happy to be here

Fechner says one of the main reasons he joined the Canucks is because he wants to win the Centennial Cup, and with Calgary hosting the game, it’s a great opportunity.

He says he’s trying to enjoy his ice time.

“I mean, obviously, the opportunity to play on the power play and four-on-four and all that. I think the line is really clicking right now, and we’re a hard-working line, and we Let’s find ways to score goals now,” he said.

Lots of potential

Moran says he thinks Fechner will only get better.

“He adds size and definitely speed,” Moran said.

“He’s very skilled and has very good hands for a big player. We can use him in any situation, and he has that ability to break the game down with his speed and around the net. He has a ton of potential, and I think he’s just starting to realize what he can be.”

It’s a busy weekend for the Canucks.

They’re home for a few games.

On Saturday, they will face the Canmore Eagles, then on Sunday, they will face the Drumheller Dragons.